Global AI device maker HONOR has taken a big step to bring more advanced phones to people in Bangladesh by starting local manufacturing with a Bangladeshi partner. The company signed an agreement with Smart Technologies (BD) Ltd to build a modern factory at Smart Hi-Tech Park in Kaliakair where HONOR devices will be assembled and labelled “Made in Bangladesh”. Company leaders say the move will make devices easier to buy, support local technicians, and create skilled jobs in factories. George Zhao, president of HONOR South East Asia, and Md Jahirul Islam, managing director of Smart Technologies, signed the deal and spoke about shared goals. HONOR entered the Bangladesh market in 2023 and has grown as a popular brand. The new plant will bring HONOR’s global design and AI features together with local manufacturing skills. Workers will learn assembly, testing and quality checks that match global rules, and training programs are planned to help engineers and technicians improve. Local suppliers may get chances to provide parts and services, which could help small firms grow and connect to international supply chains. Company officials say local production can shorten delivery times for customers and reduce costs, so more people can access phones with smart features. The partnership is also pitched as a way to build a technology ecosystem that supports research and future product work in Bangladesh. The factory will use modern lines and methods that aim to meet strict quality standards while keeping production efficient. Experts and business people say such investments can help raise skills, create steady jobs, and bring more choices to consumers without raising prices too fast. The two partners have said they plan careful steps: start with a clear set of products for local demand, run pilot production to test systems, and then expand output as teams gain experience. They also highlighted the value of shared planning with local authorities, fair labour practices, and clear inspection rules to keep work safe and products reliable. For customers this could mean quicker repairs, more local service centres, and phones that are updated to work well on local networks. For the wider economy it could mean more factory work, training centers, and links between schools that teach electronics and the factories that hire graduates. Both HONOR and Smart Technologies described the move as a long term commitment to Bangladesh, focused on steady growth, local hiring, and helping the country take part in modern tech manufacturing. This step aims to turn ideas into real products made close to where people live, and it offers a clear path for future tech projects in the country. Local communities and vendors are expected to benefit from steady orders, training, and improved local spending over time.
